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The University of Alabama senior quarterback was a big topic of conversation at Friday afternoon’s Heisman media session, held in advance of tonight’s ceremony. After McCarron’s surprising Maxwell Award win Thursday, his chances of winning the big prize are being viewed in a more favorable light by some observers.

Last year’s Heisman winner, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, has become well acquainted with McCarron. On Friday, the Aggies’ sophomore star spoke glowingly of his friend and rival.

“Getting to know him over the past year ... it’s been nice,” Manziel said. “I speak volumes about AJ, his competitiveness and how great a competitor he is.”

McCarron’s competitiveness was also cited by Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch as a trait that sets the Crimson Tide quarterback apart.

“Some of the things he does at the line, making checks and always keeping Alabama in the game ... he’s just a true competitor and a winner.”

Indeed, McCarron has been a prolific winner during his time at Alabama – amassing a remarkable 36-3 record in three years as a starter for the Crimson Tide. He won national championships in 2011 and ’12 and came close to playing for another this season. Throw in a third ring he collected during his redshirt season in 2009, and McCarron will go down as one of the most decorated champions in the history of college football.

But the Heisman is a single-season award, and most pundits are expecting Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston to take home the hardware. Boston College running back Andre Williams, and Auburn running back Tre Mason round out the field.

Mason, whose Tigers bested McCarron’s Crimson Tide two weeks ago in the Iron Bowl, recalled the classic affair as he considered McCarron’s legacy.

“We played with a chip on our shoulder ... fought to the end,” Mason said. “But (McCarron is) a talented player. He’s a great athlete. He’s somebody that’s very hard to game-plan around.”

Mason went on to talk about how he’s gotten to know McCarron and the other nominees a little better over the past few days as they spent time together at the College Football Awards in Orlando, Fla. One thing that has struck Mason is the bond between McCarron and Manziel. A relationship that has been reported by some to be fractious is actually the complete opposite, according to the Auburn junior.

“People would be surprised by the relationship between AJ and Johnny,” Mason said. “That’s just something that’s created by the fans. These guys are really cool.”

Manziel confirmed Mason’s assessment and said the press has made too much of the supposed controversy about comments made by McCarron regarding Manziel leaving the Manning Passing Academy early in July.

“Our relationship has been kind of skewed throughout the media and stuff, but I know that if I need anything from AJ, and if he needs anything from me, that I’m always there for him,” Manziel said. “He’s just a good guy, and a guy that I consider a friend.”

Friends or foes, the SEC rivals, who split their two career meetings on the field, will battle one last time in the collegiate ranks as they vie for the most prestigious individual honor in college football. For McCarron, it’s a final chance to add to a trophy case that’s already stuffed. In addition to taking the Maxwell, McCarron was also a first-team Walter Camp All-American. The latter honor carries with it larger historical implications for McCarron, as his selection makes him eligible to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

McCarron is undoubtedly hoping that, after tonight, his prospective Hall of Fame plaque will include the words, “Heisman Trophy winner.”

<p>NEW YORK | While AJ McCarron was busy collecting his Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award in Baltimore on Friday, his fellow Heisman Trophy nominees were in the Big Apple singing his praises.</p><p>The University of Alabama senior quarterback was a big topic of conversation at Friday afternoon's Heisman media session, held in advance of tonight's ceremony. After McCarron's surprising Maxwell Award win Thursday, his chances of winning the big prize are being viewed in a more favorable light by some observers.</p><p>Last year's Heisman winner, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, has become well acquainted with McCarron. On Friday, the Aggies' sophomore star spoke glowingly of his friend and rival.</p><p>“Getting to know him over the past year ... it's been nice,” Manziel said. “I speak volumes about AJ, his competitiveness and how great a competitor he is.”</p><p>McCarron's competitiveness was also cited by Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch as a trait that sets the Crimson Tide quarterback apart.</p><p>“Some of the things he does at the line, making checks and always keeping Alabama in the game ... he's just a true competitor and a winner.”</p><p>Indeed, McCarron has been a prolific winner during his time at Alabama – amassing a remarkable 36-3 record in three years as a starter for the Crimson Tide. He won national championships in 2011 and '12 and came close to playing for another this season. Throw in a third ring he collected during his redshirt season in 2009, and McCarron will go down as one of the most decorated champions in the history of college football.</p><p>But the Heisman is a single-season award, and most pundits are expecting Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston to take home the hardware. Boston College running back Andre Williams, and Auburn running back Tre Mason round out the field.</p><p>Mason, whose Tigers bested McCarron's Crimson Tide two weeks ago in the Iron Bowl, recalled the classic affair as he considered McCarron's legacy.</p><p>“We played with a chip on our shoulder ... fought to the end,” Mason said. “But (McCarron is) a talented player. He's a great athlete. He's somebody that's very hard to game-plan around.”</p><p>Mason went on to talk about how he's gotten to know McCarron and the other nominees a little better over the past few days as they spent time together at the College Football Awards in Orlando, Fla. One thing that has struck Mason is the bond between McCarron and Manziel. A relationship that has been reported by some to be fractious is actually the complete opposite, according to the Auburn junior.</p><p>“People would be surprised by the relationship between AJ and Johnny,” Mason said. “That's just something that's created by the fans. These guys are really cool.”</p><p>Manziel confirmed Mason's assessment and said the press has made too much of the supposed controversy about comments made by McCarron regarding Manziel leaving the Manning Passing Academy early in July.</p><p>“Our relationship has been kind of skewed throughout the media and stuff, but I know that if I need anything from AJ, and if he needs anything from me, that I'm always there for him,” Manziel said. “He's just a good guy, and a guy that I consider a friend.”</p><p>Friends or foes, the SEC rivals, who split their two career meetings on the field, will battle one last time in the collegiate ranks as they vie for the most prestigious individual honor in college football. For McCarron, it's a final chance to add to a trophy case that's already stuffed. In addition to taking the Maxwell, McCarron was also a first-team Walter Camp All-American. The latter honor carries with it larger historical implications for McCarron, as his selection makes him eligible to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.</p><p>McCarron is undoubtedly hoping that, after tonight, his prospective Hall of Fame plaque will include the words, “Heisman Trophy winner.”</p>